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Domestic Violence

Zero tolerance to domestic matters no matter how small probably reduces crime particularly domestic violence and murder. Although, we need more long term studies but it appears to be working. Its smart public policy.

More than two-thirds of murders involve a partner or an ex-partner. The extent of domestic violence is still shocking, with more than 1 million women experiencing at least one incident every year. But this masks a 40% decline in domestic violence incidents since 1995 provides the most likely explanation for the fall in the murder rate.

Its rather widely accepted that a zero tolerance approach works. Domestic abuse will affect 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime and leads to, on average, two women being murdered each week and 30 men per year. It accounts for 16% of all violent crime (Source: Crime in England and Wales 04/05 report), but it is still the violent crime least likely to be reported to the police.

There are more repeat victims than any other crime (on average there will have been 35 assaults before a victim calls the police) and is the single most quoted reason for becoming homeless (Shelter, 2002)

In addition, approximately 400 people commit suicide each year who have attended hospital for domestic abuse injuries in the previous six months, 200 of these attend hospital on the day they go on to commit suicide.

The cost of domestic abuse is estimated at £23 billion per annum (criminal justice system, health service, social care and housing).

The Home Office estimates that each domestic abuse murder costs the country just over £1 million and totals £112 million per annum

Women are killed by partners or ex-partners (50% of female victims). Men are more likely to be killed by friends or acquaintances (32% of male victims)